The Lindenwood women’s soccer team kicked off their season with a 3-1 victory over Belmont in their season opener. The Lions showed resilience and determination throughout the match, with two first-year players making significant contributions to the team’s success.
In the first half, Belmont controlled possession for the majority of the first thirty minutes. However, Lindenwood found their rhythm towards the end of the half, with Sophia Mueller scoring a spectacular goal in the 43rd minute. Mueller’s left-footed shot from outside the box found the top-right corner of the net, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead at halftime. Lindenwood managed to register two shots on goal in the first half, while goalkeeper Jordan Hollingsworth made three crucial saves to keep Belmont at bay.
The second half saw Belmont equalize early on, but Lindenwood responded swiftly with Mackenzie Compton scoring a header off a corner kick in the 51st minute to put the Lions back in front. Compton’s goal was assisted by Tasneem Dizdarevic. In the 81st minute, Anna Johnson extended Lindenwood’s lead with a well-placed header, assisted by Compton once again. The Lions held off Belmont’s late surge to secure a 3-1 victory.
Goalkeeper Jordan Hollingsworth put in a solid performance, making four saves to help Lindenwood secure the win. Head Coach Dave Musso expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their defensive strength and the impact of their dynamic attacking players. The victory was a positive start to the season for the Lions, setting the tone for the challenges ahead.
In terms of team statistics, Lindenwood managed a total of 8 shots with 6 on target, while Belmont registered 8 shots with 5 on target. The Lions also had 6 corner kicks compared to Belmont’s 8. Both teams committed a total of 11 fouls, with Lindenwood having 5 and Belmont having 6. The Lions‘ efficient attacking play and solid defensive display were key factors in their victory over Belmont.
Looking ahead, Lindenwood will face the University of Nebraska at Omaha on the road on August 18th at 1:00 PM CT. The Lions will aim to build on their opening day success and continue their winning momentum as they navigate through a challenging schedule. With a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers, Lindenwood is poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming matches. Stay tuned for more exciting action from the Lindenwood women’s soccer team as they strive for success in the upcoming games.